(Reference is an extract from ANTA 2004)

     Overview of Competency's

What is Competency?

The broad concept of industry competency concerns the ability to perform particular tasks and duties to the standard of performances expected in the workplace.  Competency requires the application of specified skills, knowledge and attributes relevant to effective participation in an industry, industry sector or enterprise.

Competency covers all aspects of workplace performance and involves performing individual tasks; managing a range of different tasks; responding to contingencies of breakdowns; and, dealing with the responsibilities of the workplace, including working with others.  Workplace competency requires the ability to apply relevant skills, knowledge and attributes consistently ove3r time and in the required workplace situations and environments.  In line with this concept of competency Training Packages focus on what is expected of a competent individual in the workplace as an outcome of learning, rather than focusing on the learning process itself.

Competency standards in Training Packages are determined by industry to meet identified industry skill needs and are based on extensive research, validation and evaluation.  Each competency standard or unit of competency reflects a discrete job function, area of work or occupational outcome.  The standard is set by defining the work outcomes(referred to as elements of competency) to be met in demonstrating competency which are measured against defined performance specifications (Performance Criteria).  Demonstration of the Performance Criteria is guided and supported by information and advice set out in the Evidence Guide of each unit.

Competency standards are written to  common structure and format to support consistency and usability.  This structure and format is determined by the Australian National Authority and amended for time to time to support continuous improvement.  Some parts of this format are mandatory for all units while other parts are included at the discretion of the Training Package developer.  Detailed information on the structure and format applied to the Training and Assessment Training Package (TAA04) units is set out later in the Introduction.

Generally, each unit of competency within a Training Package is linked to one or more AQF qualifications.  Refer to the Qualifications section for information on the packaging of Training and Assessment Training Package (TAA04) units into AQF qualifications.

Units can be unaligned in special circumstances where it is clearly justifiable.  The Training and Assessment Training Package (TAA04) contains one unit in this category.  This unit is TAAASS301A Contribute to assessment.